03.2 Thomas Rattray Ayson 1848 - 1935

Thomas Ayson, eldest son of Alexander, was born at Urquhart in Scotland.

 

He became a prominent figure in the early European settlement of the Mataura and Wyndham districts, as evidenced in the book about him,­ titled "Thomas".   The book was a collection of his articles that were published by the "Southland Daily News" and adapted for book form by William Scott Ayson, a son of Thomas's, and  D.J.Sumpter,  editor of  the newspaper,  who chose the pseudonym , "Genus".   The book was published in 1937.

 

Thomas was only eight years old when his parents left Scotland to come to Otago at the request of the Otago Provincial Council, but he had a very good recollection of the voyage to Dunedin and the journey to Tokomairiro where his father established the first school.   When the Gabriel's Gully gold rush took place the school was practically deserted and Thomas undertook to assist in the carting of goods and provisions to the rush.   When the diggings began to "peter" out, he returned home and went back to school to complete his education.   It was during this period at school that Thomas took away a momento that is still in the possession of his family.   This is a Bible presented by the Rev. Mr Todd to the pupil with the best Biblical knowledge.   When many years later Thomas' home was burnt down, this Bible was the only book saved.   He had used it at church that evening and had kept it in his coat pocket.

 

When Thomas left school he decided to take up farming.   In 1863, he went to work for a Mr Anderson at Boundary Creek, but when his father bought a property at Markhill in Warepa,   Thomas undertook to work it until his father came to live there.

 

With his brother-in-law,  David  Doull, Thomas made a thorough inspection of the unoccupied land and finally settled on a block of 1750 acres (730 ha) at Glenham.   They went in largely for cattle and Thomas became known as the cattle king of Southland.

 

Thomas was over six feet in height and very powerful.   Possessed with initiative and force of character he blazed a trail and turned a wilderness of bush and swamp into a prosperous estate.

 

Thomas was a splendid horseman and a daring rider and many are the tales told of his feats when gathering almost wild cattle in the rough country.

 

He took a great interest in local affairs and was a keen worker for the Presbyterian Church and an advocate for the abolition of the liquor trade.

 

Thomas married Jane Grant, a daughter of Peter Grant, of Cray.    Thomas and Jane had a family of four sons and five daughters.

 

Thomas died in 1935.   Jane 1923.   Both are buried in the Wyndham cemetery.